Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing pressed parts from round stock such as steel wire wound on a reel, which comprises unwinding the wire from the reel, passing the wire through a straightening device, and then feeding the wire intermittently through a heater where it is heated to a temperature of between 600.degree. C. and 850.degree. C. and subsequently cut to the appropriate length and fed to a press where it is pressed to the appropriate shape.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of hexagonal nuts by cold forming wherein a blank is shaped and formed to a hexagonal configuration wherein the distances across the flats of the hexagon are greater than in the finished nut, and thereafter the rough nut is forced into a shaping die and over a punch concentric therewith, whereby the punch forms the central opening in the nut and the shaping die reduces the distances across the flats of the hexagon to that of the final nut size.

Abstract: A multiple stage press of the type having a plurality of punches and dies mounted in substantially parallel planar die sets and including a tool changing mechanism comprising a magazine for holding the tools, a transfer mechanism movable for carrying tools from the magazine to the die sets and from the die sets to the magazine, the transfer mechanism including a gripper arm pivotable about an axis inclined relative to the planes of the die sets, the gripper arm being mounted on a slide so as to be rectilinearly movable parallel to the planes of the die sets, whereby a tool carried by the gripper arm may be positioned between the die sets.

Abstract: A process for producing shaped bodies which are essentially hollow with particularly configured cavities at each end of the body. The process includes a unique step of simultaneously forming the final configured cavity at one end of the body and reducing the exterior diameter of the same end of the body.

Abstract: A device for actuating an ejector plunger or the like on the movable carriage of a press, comprising a two-arm lever pivoted on the carriage, one arm of which is operatively connected to the plunger. The other arm has a member that runs on a track extending parallel to the line of travel of the carriage. The track is located on a member that is mounted on a stationary part of the machine and is movable in the direction normal to the line of travel of the carriage. Operating means is connected to the member to move the same periodically in the transverse direction, thereby rocking the two-arm lever and actuating the plunger. During normal operational movement of the carriage, the member on said other arm of the lever moves parallel to the track and is not affected thereby.

Abstract: An axially movable ejector rod has one end abutting against one arm of a pivoted ejector lever. A second arm on the ejector lever has a generally radially extending plane surface that is contacted by a roller carried at the end of a lever arm pivoted on a supporting slide. The roller also rides on a second plane surface on one arm of an intermediate lever, the other arm of which is connected to a link. This link is reciprocated by a rotating cam, causing the intermediate lever to rock and pressing its plane surface against the roller. The roller, in turn, presses against the arm of the ejector lever and causes the latter to rock. As the intermediate lever and ejector lever rock on their respective pivots, the roller rolls along the respective plane surfaces. The supporting slide carrying the lever arm with its roller is movable in the direction to shift the roller along the two plane surfaces.